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Forskolin for Weight Loss: Fact or Fiction? (A Critical Review)

Rachel Peachey by Rachel Peachey
Dec 7, 2021
in HEALTH
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Forskolin is making quite a stir these days as the latest successful natural weight loss supplement. The famous Dr. Oz recently praised it on his Dr. Oz Show, pushing this all-the-rage herbal slimming pill into the dieting spotlight.

Forskolin may be the perfect new fit for those dieting or exercising to lose weight. It could potentially even be an out-performer of Garcinia Cambogia.

Still, hype around a supplement can make you miss out on some vital facts and research. As with any new and popular diet supplement, Forskolin begs a skeptic eye and a closer look at the REAL facts.

More than anything, you’d want something safe, reliable, and supported by studies and reviews before adding it to your weight loss routine – wouldn’t you?

So many of us deserve a little something extra to give us that weight loss boost, including you. After all, weight loss can feel like an uphill battle for so many.

Making the numbers drop on the scale sometimes requires more than diet and exercise. Forskolin could very well be what you’re looking for!

With that said, what does Dr. Oz’s latest approval of Forskolin REALLY mean for you and your health? Is it safe, effective, and does it deliver its promise?

You can bet that if Dr. Oz puts his stamp of approval on the latest weight-loss trend, people will swarm the shelves to experience its benefits for themselves.

The constant buzz can only reassure you that Forskolin means good things, especially for you and your hard-earned weight-loss goals. But if you’re a cautious consumer, you’ll want to ensure you get the “skinny” on this dieting pill (no pun intended)!

In this article, we’ve gathered every bit of important information on this miraculous supplement all in one place, so you have no doubts, worries, or concerns about its benefits and effects!

Let’s look at Forskolin’s biggest benefits, side effects, the best brands to consider, and how well it performs compared to the Garcinia Cambogia, the previous weight loss supplement of the hour before Forskolin arrived on the weight loss supplement scene! That way, together we can get to the bottom of whether YOU should consider Forskolin.

IN SUMMARY, Here Is What You’ll Discover in This Article (Click any of the links below to jump to each section):

  • Forskolin: How does it work?
  • Forskolin’s Benefits
  • Side Effects and Interactions
  • Comparison of Forskolin vs. Garcinia Cambogia
  • Where to Buy Forskolin For Weight Loss
  • Tricks and Tips you absolutely must know
  • What the Science Shows
  • User Feedback and Reviews
  • Forskolin FAQs

Forskolin For Weight Loss: What is It, and How Does It Work?

Forskolin is not just a simple, miraculous pill that burns away your body fat. Dr. Oz described it as a “miracle flower” on his popular television show, but it’s really so much more than that, and once you understand how it works, the “miracle” aspect of it will seem so simple.

Additionally, Forskolin’s health effects achieve even more, far beyond just your average personal weight loss supplement. Yes, there could be even more benefits in it for you, which is just more good news!

Forskolin supplements contain extracts of a plant from the mint family, Indian Coleus.This plant is indigenous to the mountain slopes of India, Nepal, and Thailand, and has been used in folk and traditional medical practices for centuries.

Specifically, Coleus is a staple of Ayurvedic Medicine, one of the oldest holistic based medicines on the planet. It’s used by Ayurvedic practicioners to treat ailments ranging from heart disease to bladder issues to convulsions, and has analgesic properties that can help to relieve spasmodic pain.

As we discuss the many benefits of Forskolin, you’ll begin to understand why this extract is so popular in this holistic tradition from India. Today, the plant has advanced greatly from its traditional uses and is studied by researchers around the world to discover its secrets. Its scientific name, Coleus forskohlii, is where the supplement gets its commercial name.

The supplement is also named after the desired compound in this herb that achieves the fat-burning effects: forskolin (also called “coleonol”), a labdane diterpene unique to Indian Coleus only.

Labdane diterpenes are found in many other plants, but what makes the ones from Indian Coleus so exciting is their unique, impressive effects: found in no other plant in the world. (1)

Studies show that Forskolin activates something called adenylate cyclase, an enzyme in mammals that in turn catalyzes the transformation of one enzyme into another: namely ATP into cAMP.

The transformation of these enzymes in the body, as a result, revs up the body’s natural metabolism, energy use, and yes, fat-burning capabilities, which is the most exciting effect of all! (2)  

Essentially, the active ingredient, forskolin encourages fat cells to release stored fat to be used as energy in the body. However, the key role Forskolin plays in increasing cAMP levels affects many areas of health and the body including our metabolism.

The Main Benefits of Forskolin

The science behind Forskolin’s chemical activity, most notably as a labdane diterpene, is really quite sound. Forskolin alters the metabolism of human beings in a positive way, which would make it seem promising for weight loss: something that metabolism ultimately controls. The studies are there to prove it, too.

But how does this effect your personal weight loss? Is there actual proof of weight loss being the result of this metabolism change?

Connecting the dots together, it would seem that the reason Doctor Oz touted Forskolin’s weight-loss capabilities was due to the publishing of this preliminary study. Check it out, and you’ll see what all the buzz on The Doctor Oz Show was about!

To summarize the study’s results in layman’s terms: Forskolin supplements were seen to change the body’s composition more to “lean muscle mass” in only 12 weeks if taken daily.

Yes, the results were amazing: body fat was literally disappearing, giving favor to muscle and healthy weight. It should be noted, too, that the test subjects were struggling with obesity, and didn’t even need to exercise in order to achieve these effects.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, it is important to pay attention to the rest of this article and make sure that you do your own research before you start taking it for yourself.

Those are some impressive results!

Yet beyond being a mere weight loss supplement, studies of Forskolin show it offers even more benefits that make it appealing. General health benefits can be gained from taking this natural supplement, including:

The Effects and Benefits of Forskolin:

  • Better circulation. This study discusses some areas that Forskolin helps improve circulation. In addition, the supplement can help reduce blood pressure.
  • Relieves muscle spasms and stiffness. Forskolin is a smooth-muscle relaxant. For this reason, it can be used to treat intestinal discomforts, digestive disorders, menstruation cramps and other conditions.
  • Treats idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy. In this application, Forskolin is administered intravenously, helping improve heart function.
  • Helps alleviate asthma symptoms when inhaled. Forskolin has been shown to help widen air passages in the lungs, which can relieve asthma. In fact, one study showed that relief and reduced asthma attacks were present in asthmatic individuals who took the Forskolin in capsules rather than inhaling it. In the same study, results from using Forskolin were significantly better than using a more traditional asthma treatment, sodium cromoglicate. WebMD also corroborates Forskolin’s usefulness for treating asthma, stating that it is “possibly effective” when inhaled. 
  • Allergy protection. Forskolin’s properties that work to open airways, relieving asthma also improve pulmonary function that may be affected by allergies. In addition, there are studies that show that Forskolin may increase cAMP levels. Higher cAMP levels are associated with fewer allergy symptoms, and many medicines that are taken to combat allergies work to increase cAMP levels in the body.
  • Skin care. Some conditions such as eczema and psoriasis have been linked to low cAMP levels. Just like Forskolin helps diminish allergy symptoms, it has the same effect on these skin conditions.
  • Can be used for glaucoma. This illness harms the eyes due to increased pressure existing in these vital organs in the body. Forskolin may help reduce eye pressure, and has been shown to do so in people without eye disease. Further research in people with glaucoma has proven to be hopeful. In an Italian study, patients who were unable to further increase their pressure-reducing medications were given Forskolin as an alternative treatment with positive result.
  • Reduces depression. Another condition associated with low cAMP levels, there’s a possibility that Forskolin may reduce depression. cAMP is a type of secondary messenger that helps cells process messages from primary messengers. Among primary messengers are hormones such as serotonin. As you can see cAMP levels have a great effect on many areas of the body, including depression. 
  • Helps with hypothyroidism. Forskolin acts to stimulate the release of thyroid hormone. Because hypothyroidism is associated with weight gain, improving the performance of your thyroid could also help you lose weight. If you believe you have this condition, you may enjoy a double benefit from this natural supplement in your journey to weight loss.
  • Lower the risk for osteoporosis. The same notable study showing weight loss results in men also showed an increase in bone mass in the group of individuals taking Forskolin.
  • Enhances immune system function (3). The immune system response is highly reliant on macrophages, the growth of which can be induced with Forskolin.
  • Blood sugar maintenance (4). Findings from a 2014 study suggest Forskolin can help manage blood sugar levels. For anyone who has an understanding of the relationship between pre-diabetes, diabetes, and weight, this revelation may lead to another understanding of how Forskolin may help with weight loss. Many pre-diabetic patients struggle to lose weight due to insulin resistance. If Forskolin can help maintain normal blood sugar levels, individuals with insulin resistance may avoid sugar highs and crashes in a cycle that encourages more weight gain. Some supplements such as GOLO are based on this premise and have been used with great success. Forskolin may be another viable option for those on the path towards pre-diabetes to control blood sugar and lose weight.

As you can see, even if you aren’t trying to lose weight, adding a daily Forskolin supplement to your diet has other amazing benefits, and there are plenty of other studies to back them up, too. As far as weight loss goes though, the supplement is pretty powerful.

The above benefits outline two additional ways that Forskolin may help you lose weight. If you experience hypothyroidism or are prediabetic, you may have a hard time losing weight. However, with Forskolin, you can combat these conditions, increasing your chances for weight loss. 

But, because of these many benefits, Forskolin can have negative effects depending on your body’s physiology.

For example, lowered blood pressure may be a benefit for some, but for those who already have low blood pressure, this may cause trouble. Read on to learn about the side effects you should be aware of before taking this supplement.

Forskolin Side Effects

There’s only one kind of Forskolin, found from the Indian Coleus plant. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t different ways it can be manufactured, extracted, and sold in various supplement forms, which is an important thing to realize if you are interested in taking the supplement!

Because formulations vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, side effects of Forskolin vary as well. Every supplement you choose to take has a list of potential side effects that vary greatly, due to the other ingredients, additives, and excipients contained in unique formulas of that particular Forskolin product.

When obtaining Forskolin, make sure to read the label. Study the ingredients and side effects. But just as important, it’s safest for you to always follow the bottle’s direction!

Additionally, make sure that you read user reviews and everything else you can when you are looking at a certain supplement, in order to determine if it is a good value or not. You want to be sure that it is unlikely to cause side effects.

Forskolin by itself has the following potential side effects:

Possible Side Effects

  • Low blood pressure or flushing – This side effect is seen mostly with IV administration of the extract to treat infection, but not in any over-the-counter forms of the supplement.
  • Irritation of the throat – This side effect happens most when Forskolin is inhaled.
  • Stinging – This negative side effect happens with the eye drop form of the extract. (5)
  • Perianal Itching – Studies on lab mice showed that large doses caused anal itching, but this has yet to be found in any similar human studies.
  • Suppressed Central Nervous System – Large doses caused depression in mice, though these doses could be easily avoided in supplement form and are not yet seen in humans. (3)

It is advised that you do not take Forskolin extract if you have any of the following:

  • Bleeding disorders – If you have bleeding issues, you will not want to take this supplement.
  • Heart problems – Forskolin can interfere with some medications and lower blood pressure, so people with heart problems should not take it.
  • Pregnancy – Because no conclusive studies have been conducted on taking this supplement during pregnancy, pregnant women should avoid taking it. (3, 5)
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease – Molecules exclusive to the Forskolin plant were found in kidney renal cysts, so those with this disease are best to keep away. (6)

If you take the following medications, avoid taking Forskolin extract:

  • CYP3A-Dependent Drugs – Which are most commonly used in liver disorders, diseases, and diabetes medications.
  • Other Diabetes Medications – No solid evidence or studies yet, but potential interactions are expected.
  • Anticoagulant Drugs – Forskolin may enhance effects of blood-thinning drugs.
  • Antihypertensives – It may also enhance effects of drugs that help lower blood pressure.
  • Vasodilators – Could also exacerbate medications that cause blood vessels to dilate (for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia). (3)

Important note: No conclusive studies have been done on the effects of taking massive amounts of Forskolin in a short period of time in humans.

There have also been no major studies with a solid understanding of how Forskolin will interact with the various medications listed. While most of the studies cited in this article didn’t note any major side effects, each person’s body is different and there are some possible interactions we do know about, such as the blood pressure issue.

Nevertheless, one of the positive sides of Forskolin highlighted in some of the studies was that results were achieved without adverse effects.

All the same, it’s best to err on the side of caution – only take Forskolin amounts as recommended on the bottle, and don’t take chances if you take the above medications. As when taking any medication or supplement, double check with your doctor if you’re not sure about it.

Forskolin vs. Garcinia Cambogia

Because these two weight loss aids are so powerful, many people tend to compare their effectiveness. The tough part? BOTH have helped so many people achieve their dreams of losing weight.

So which one is truly better? Does one achieve more weight loss results than the other, on average?

forskolin-vs-garcinia-cambogia

Let’s Compare:

Forskolin – Many reviews of this supplement show that users have lost a high percentage of body fat, and in just a short amount of time!

One user claims to have lost 55 pounds in eight months, while another lost eight pounds in just three weeks. There’s no doubt that Forskolin can help you lose several pounds in just a few short weeks, and there appears to be added health benefits there to boot.

Garcinia Cambogia (GC) – Users have seen similar results when taking this supplement as with taking Forskolin. One user says she lost 25 pounds in two months on GC, which averages out to a weight loss of about three pounds a week.

People using GC also report less food cravings, though you shouldn’t take Garcinia every day for a period longer than 12 weeks.

Our Findings: While we see no clear winner in terms of weight loss, Forskolin users have more advantages over Garcinia Cambogia users.

Advantages to Forskolin compared to Garcinia:

  • Forskolin has added health benefits – Garcinia doesn’t.
  • Forskolin has less side effects or concerns than Garcinia.
  • You can take Forskolin for long periods of time – you can only take Garcinia for 12 weeks.

Again: there’s no clear winner in the weight loss category. But with all the added benefits, Forskolin gives you a lot more bang for your buck, and more peace of mind.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide which supplements are better for you. Be careful to check through the side effects listed on the supplement you purchase to ensure that you won’t experience any undesired outcomes.

Should you notice any adverse effects, head straight to the doctor.

Where to Buy Forskolin For Weight Loss: Our Top Picks

Forskolin can be bought at a number of stores as well as online but the prices and products offered may vary. Available at Walmart, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens, GNC and CVS, you can expect to pay anywhere from approximately 20 dollars to 60 dollars.

One of people’s biggest concerns for taking any type of pill is whether it’s safe or not. In terms of this weight loss supplement, you should know that not all Forskolin supplements are created equal. So before you buy a Forskolin product, do your research.

There are plenty of supplement makers on the market who are looking to make a quick buck as opposed to a quality product. Buy Forskolin supplements that meet all of the recommended criteria.

The best products contain natural forskolin at about a 20% standardized rate, are made in the USA and contain minimal additional ingredients. You can read about other important criteria later in this article. 

Tricks and Tips You Need to Know to Avoid Bad Forskolin Products

Buying a Forskolin product may at first feel like a decision of price, but there is so much more to consider than that. Good quality products tend to cost more because of the labour inputs. But as you can see from the list above Forskolin is generally not outrageous in cost. This means your attention should be solely focused on what is in it.

There are plenty of fly-by-night supplement makers who are ceasing the opportunity to make their own product in hopes of cashing in on the hype that is Forskolin.

You need to be aware of manufacturers who simply promise that their products are the best, because many of them are cutting corners, providing a product that was not developed with the manufacturing standards and optimal dosage that research has found to be the right equation for making Forskolin extract a valuable source for achieving your weight loss goals.

A clinical study published in the journal Obesity discovered that Forskolin has a positive effect on the breakdown of stored fats without changing your diet or exercise routine by using the most important piece of the puzzle: 100% pure Coleus Forskohlii extract.

The scientists of the study also used 500mg of Forskolin for their research. Not using the right type of Forskolin could prove to be a waste of your time and money. But what other factors are important?

In order to maximize your potential weight loss results, you’ll want to ensure your Forskolin supplements meet all of the recommended criteria. Let the below outline serve as your go-to checklist for purchasing a premium Forskolin product:

  • Capsules: 100% Pure Vegetarian Capsules
  • 1 Bottle Supply: 30 days
  • Standardized Forskolin: 20% (Anything lower than this will not be effective in helping you reduce stubborn belly fat.)
  • Contains: NO Fillers, Binders or Additives
  • Recommends: Daily Dose of 500mg (250mg capsules, 2 times a day).

Other factors to consider when searching for Forskolin supplements include:

  • False claims with unsupported information being claimed as “facts.”
  • Supplement must be made in an approved registered laboratory.
  • Must manufactured in a cGMP certified facility.
  • Complies with the US Pharmacopeia’s standards for quality and purity.

Always check the label to make sure it meets all of these criteria given above. If it doesn’t, don’t buy it!

Additional Forskolin Extract Studies

Scientifically speaking, there are plenty of credible medical and governmental clinical studies out there that support using Forskolin extract to enhance your health both for weight loss and other reasons.

With regards to weight loss, for instance, a study involving twenty-three overweight women who took 25mg of Forskolin (250 mg capsules of 10% standardized forskolin extract) twice a day for eight weeks found that the women lost a mean of ten pounds at the close of the trial period. Their percentage of body fat was reduced by nearly 8% as well.

The scientists concluded that Forskolin may be especially helpful in weight maintenance, given that women also reported lesser intakes of carbohydrates, fat and energy in general during the study which may explain the weight loss statistics.  

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition:

This preliminary study showed that, given 25 mg of forskolin twice a day, overall body weight could improve by increasing lean body mass and by decreasing weight from body fat.

There are a few mechanisms that Forskolin uses to help increase weight loss. Some of them have already been discussed, such as the activation of adenylate cylase. In addition, the study cited by Dr. Oz shows that Forskolin may increase the presence of free testosterone in the body.

How does additional testosterone help? This hormone often increases muscle mass, meaning that rather than creating body fat, the body is more likely to create muscle, which is leaner than stored fat.

This is one factor that may affect the results in some studies, particularly in the men’s study, as men are more greatly affected by testosterone. Although muscle mass appears leaner on the body, it actually weighs more than fat. So, the visual and health related outcomes may be more pronounced than what the scale shows.

So, there are a few ways that Forskolin may support weight loss or maintenance, suggesting that this supplement may be a great support for those hoping to stop gaining weight or lose weight.

Forskolin, as has been mentioned, is useful for much more than weight loss. In addition, the plant can also be used in the treatment of many other illnesses. In addition to what’s mentioned above, researchers have found:

Another study found that it can treat glaucoma by reducing raised intraocular pressure (IOP).

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences:

The review of literature has shown that the forskolin has an intra oculohypotensive effect and hence useful in the treatment of the glaucoma.

And the studies go on. From its effects on cAMP, cGMP and free fatty acids to being used as a topical rescue and skin protection with Forskolin-basd tanning lotion, and even how it can alleviate hypertension and may treat cancer.

Further research will show us the many uses, particularly those related to cAMP level conditions, that Forskolin may have in the future.

This revolutionary extract may well be the next upcoming cure for any number of diseases and conditions. The best part about it? It’s natural!

What we know so far points to the fact that, although caution should be exercised, doctors may be able to administer Forskolin where greater doses of traditional medications are no longer possible, such as with glaucoma.

We can only imagine what researchers will discover next. This miracle flower does offer hope and potential to change treatment options for many illnesses. Perhaps you’ll discover it for yourself!

4 Reviews of Forskolin Extract

To give you further context surrounding Forskolin and help you understand the possibilities that the supplement offers in weight loss, we’ve put together some reviews, both positive and negative, of Forskolin.

In these reviews, you’ll discover what some of the most authoritative figures and websites in supplements and health have to say about Forskolin. Through these opinions, we hope you’ll get a better idea of what you can expect from the supplement and gain insight from other interpretations of the research surrounding Forskolin.

Review #1 – Famous Expert “Dr. Oz” (Positive)

Dr. Oz is a big supporter and spokesperson for Forskolin as a weight loss aid, and his reviews of the product certainly lend it some valuable credibility.

To add to the authenticity of a supplement’s effects, Doctor Oz will often invite diet experts and guests on to his show who have taken the supplement, lost weight, and who also kept the weight off indefinitely!

His show on Forskolin had many of these guests, proving that it was truly a #1 weight loss choice.

why Dr. Oz loves Forskolin extract

Review #2 – The Medical Portal “Drugs.com” (Positive)

Drugs.com is a reliable, respectable online source for finding genuine and unbiased information about medications and supplements. All the information they gather is backed by very reputable sources, and their review on Forskolin is no exception.

Some of their own sources and research is so reliable, we’ve even used it ourselves for writing this comprehensive article and guide for you on Forskolin! They tap into the truth and the real facts about supplements, just like we do.

In addition to no-nonsense scientific data, the site provides references to how it has helped real-life people achieve weight loss goals and better health. Can’t argue with that!

Forskolin

Review #3 – The ”NYU Langone Medical Center” (Negative)

NYU Langone Medical Center approaches the topic on Forskolin in a different way than mentioned thus far. The article states that any medical benefits ascribed to Plectranthus barbatus (Coleus forskohlii) are likely derived from the Forskolin within it.

They also go on to say that, while there is plenty of information on the health benefits Forskolin provides, the scientific evidence is weak, so you should not consider it a valuable source for treating any ailments.

NYU-Langone-Coleus-Forskohlii

Review #4 – The “Science-Based Medicine” (Negative)

In this provoking article, the author criticizes Dr. Oz for his promotion of Forskolin extract for weight loss due to the variety of studies done on the supplement that have inconclusive results.

By reviewing Dr. Oz’s case for Forskolin as a beneficial supplement for human consumption, the article declares that it has not bene demonstrated to cause weight loss, except in rodents, its clinical efficacy and safety have not been established, and that it raises blood levels of testosterone.

Forskolin: Here We Go Again

Forskolin FAQs

What should I look for?
When purchasing Forskolin, ensure that the product is 100% pure, contains 20% standardized Forskolin, and has no fillers, binders or other artificial ingredients.

What does standardized to 20% mean?
This means that the product contains 20% ACTIVE Forskolin.

What is the correct dosage to take?
You need to take 500mg a day (1 250mg capsule, 2 times a day).

How do I take Forskolin?
  While some people prefer to take the complete dosage all at once, it is highly recommended to space it out in order to reap the benefits of using Forskolin as an appetite suppressor. 

Who can take Forskolin?
Anyone looking to lose weight might find Forskolin a valuable supplement to try. However, if you are taking any medications, consult your doctor before taking it. Should you have heart problems, polycystic kidney disease, bleeding issues, are pregnant or nursing, or have any other health concerns, you should not take this supplement.

Do all Forskolin supplements work?
No. Just like any trend has its staples and its knock-offs, some stay true to their promise while others cut corners, implementing improper ingredients and proportions, cheap fillers that can hinder the coveted effects of Forskolin.

How long before I see results?
The results can take as little as one week or up to one month. It’s important to note, however, that results vary from person to person. You may see changes immediately, or it might take longer than anticipated. 

How Long Can I Keep Using Forskolin Extract Products?
Once you reach your weight loss goals, you may desire to stop taking Forskolin extract, however, if you want to make this supplement a part of your daily routine, no negative side effects reported in association with taking forskolin long-term.

Are there any additional benefits of Forskolin?
In addition to promoting weight loss, this supplement has been found to both reduce the chance of an asthma attack as well as help those suffering from glaucoma.

Is Forskolin the right weight loss supplement for me?
If you are looking to lose weight, this is the go-to, completely natural supplement you should be using. Along with it being approved by government officials for human consumption, Forskolin will not give you common side effects of other weight loss supplements such as nausea or the jitters.

Do I need to diet or exercise while taking Forskolin?

Technically, you don’t need to diet or exercise while taking Forskolin. However, any complete weight loss plan will include a healthy lifestyle.

By watching what you eat and exercising, you’ll increase your chances of achieving weight loss that you can maintain. For best results, try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods. Go for walks or do some other form of exercise every day, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.

What are best practices for taking Forskolin?

Take the recommended dosage twice a day. Complement the use of the supplement with diet and exercise. Remember, use a high-quality product with at least 20% standardized Forskolin. Whenever you decide to use a supplement, it’s also best that you speak with your doctor about it. Your doctor knows you best and will be able to help determine whether or not it’s a safe choice for you.

In Conclusion…

Forskolin is thought to be a beneficial weight loss supplement due to studies that show it revs up the body’s natural metabolism, energy use, and fat-burning capabilities. It has also been linked to a variety of additional health benefits including better circulation, alleviating asthma symptoms, helping to clear up acne, reducing depression and more.

Forskolin has also been found to have potential side effects like low blood pressure, irritation of the throat, stinging of the eyes, suppressed central nervous system, and perianal itching.

In comparison to Garcinia, Forskolin has added health benefits, which Garcinia does not. It also has fewer side effects, and you can take it for longer periods of time, while you can only take Garcinia for a total of 12 weeks.

For the best results, make this change whether or not you use any additional weight loss supplements. If your aim is to truly take care of your body, take your diet and exercise into account when creating your weight loss plan.

Follow our helpful tips and think about what you have learned by reading this article, so you can be on your way to using forskolin as intended.

We wish you the best of luck on your journey to successful weight loss.

Have your own forskolin stories and experiences? Talk to us! Comment below.

 

Article Sources

  1. Demetzos, Costas and Konstantinos S. Dimas. Labdane-type diterpenes: Chemistry and biological activity. Science Direct, 2001.
  2. KB Seamon, W Padgett, and JW Daly. Forskolin: unique diterpene activator of adenylate cyclase in membranes and in intact cells. National Library of Medicine, June 1981.
  3. Alasbahi RH, Melzig MF. Plectranthus barbatus: a review of phytochemistry, ethobotanical uses and pharmacology. Europe PMC, 25 February 2010.
  4. Rios-Silva, Monica et. al. Effect of chronic administration of forskolin on glycemia and oxidative stress in rats with and without experimental diabetes. National Library of Medicine, 11 March 2014.
  5. Coleus Overview. WebMD.
  6. Putnam, William C. et. al. Identification of a forskolin-like molecule in human renal cysts. National Library of Medicine, March 2007.
  7. HP Ammon and AB Muller. Forskolin: from an ayurvedic remedy to a modern agent. National Library of Medicine, December 1985.
  8. R Gonzalez-Sanchez et. al. Forskolin versus sodium cromoglycate for prevention of asthma attacks: a single-blinded clinical trial. National Library of Medicine, March 2006.
  9. MJ Muller and HP Baer. Relaxant effects of forskolin in smooth muscle. Role of cyclic AMP. National Library of Medicine, February 1983.
  10. Godard, Michael P., Brad A. Johnson, and Scott R. Richmond. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. National Library of Medicine, August 2005.
  11. Y Bersudsky et. al. A preliminary study of possible psychoactive effects of intravenous forskolin in depressed and schizophrenic patients. National Library of Medicine, 1996.
  12. Vetrugno, MIchele et. al. Oral administration of forskolin and rutin contributes to intraocular pressure control in primary open angle glaucoma patients under maximum tolerated medical therapy. National Library of Medicine, 25 June 2012.
  13. S Doseyici et. al. The effects of forskolin and rolipram on cAMP, cGMP, and free fatty acid levels in diet induced obesity. National Library of Medicine, July 2014.
  14. Hypersensitivity reactions. Microbiology and Immunology Mobile.
  15. M Badian et. al. Effect of forskolin eyedrops on intraocular pressure in healthy males. National Library of Medicine, December 1984.
  16. Henderson, Shonteh et. al. Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9 December 2005.
Rachel Peachey

Rachel Peachey

Rachel is a writer, Montessori teacher, and mother, happily living with her family in Guatemala where fresh coffee is always ready. Professionally, she enjoys providing her audiences with thought-provoking articles about health and fitness, early childhood education, and parenting.

Comments 27

  1. Anonymous says:
    7 years ago

    Seems like forskolin is all-in-one solution. Didn't know it has so many benefits. But I'm not sure whether I can trust Dr. Oz, even though he doesn't sell nor endorse any particular brands, but hes been recommending quite few all natural supplements, and claimed they all a break through we've been waiting for!

  2. Gemma says:
    7 years ago

    Thanks for all the helpful information! I appreciate how you mention both sides of the story and provide lots of links to extra data about Forskolin. I tend to agree with Anonymous above, that Dr Oz isn't exactly the most trustworthy figure. But a supplement that could potentially help with both asthma and allergies (my two biggest problems!) is something I am definitely excited to try. Looking forward to seeing more studies!

  3. Ramona says:
    7 years ago

    I can appreciate when one takes the time to explain it in layman's terms for everyday people like myself. However when it comes to trying new supplements and jumping aboard the hype train thats something that I dont do. I think that all this forksolin claims, especially the weight loss effect still needs alot of research to be considered as the "miracle flower", claimed by Dr. Oz.

  4. Sanders says:
    7 years ago

    I do get wary about supplements being promoted by celebrity doctors, but in the same vein, without their endorsements, these supplements wouldn’t go mainstream.

  5. Leah says:
    7 years ago

    I read one of the studies that you linked to and checked out a number of others briefly just to see what the scientific studies have to say. Normally, I would be really reticent to believe that any supplement could actually assist in losing weight. The thing that really shocked me was that the study I read WAS a double-blind test with a placebo, and it found that forskolin absolutely showed an increase in fat loss over those taking a placebo. Another awesome side effect that was carefully documented was an increase in lean body mass and bone density. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16129715

  6. Sara says:
    7 years ago

    I am always really skeptical of anything that over promises weight lose, mainly because its a brilliant business strategy and I find it hard to trust anyone who is just out for money. Having said that, I do remain intrigued about anything new that pops up and after a bit of research I would be lying to say I wouldn't consider trying this for myself. I did look into some of the side effects further, as this is a main worry for me when taking any supplement, and none are too scary that would rule it out. I'm not rushing to buy… but i am kinda impressed with what I've read!

  7. Erica says:
    7 years ago

    I have not taken either supplement, so my opinion is purely based off this article and my own experience.

    So far, I do not see what could "potentially" go wrong with using the pure extract of Forskolin. This article kept it 100% real in suggesting that using it in its pure form is highly recommended but also states that some suppliers could add product in it that could prove detrimental to health and even though pure, there are side effects to be aware of.

    With any supplement it is wise to do research, but we are in a country full of people trying to lose or obese and a natural supplement seems the way to go, but never forget diet and exercise as well. How long can one continue to pay for supplements- especially if they are not natural?

    Forskolin has been used since ancient times to treat circulatory and heart problems- not a bad deal.

  8. Sara says:
    7 years ago

    I find that weight loss supplements miss the entire point of nutrition. If you tell people that the way to cut fat is by popping a pill then this will only cure the symptom and not the problem. Surely, if you can just take a weight loss supplement then you will neglect to change your diet and lifestyle. The way to cut fat is to eat lots of fruit and vegetables, cut down on processed food and exercise. Anything else is lazy. Of course if you do all these things and still can’t lose weight then you need to see a doctor, not spend money on ‘miracle cures.’

  9. Hannah says:
    7 years ago

    This was so interesting to read because I’ve heard of forskolin before, especially since Dr. Oz mentioned it. I’m always really weary of weight loss supplements, even if they do come from a plant because you still can never know if they’re truly safe. At the end of the day weed is from a plant, but that’s not good for you (in a sense). I think you touch on some really important points here, such as not all supplements are created equal, because some may contain extra things in it that are harmful to your body, whereas the pure ones of the highest quality are actually pretty healthy for you. It’s so important to do your research about this, as it is with anything you put into your body, and I love how you break down all of the information about this weight loss supplement into manageable and easy to digest pieces of information. After reading this and doing a bit of research, it’s something I think I would safely use myself.

  10. Jamie Adair says:
    7 years ago

    If it truly does raise metabolism then there is no reason why weight loss shouldn’t accompany its use. That’s how metabolism works – its the rate at which your body changes food to energy. Unless you up your calorie consumption as your metabolism increases, there should be a negative remainder which results in pounds lost. I haven’t heard of forskolin nor do I think I’ve seen it anywhere. I love reading about these new natural products and actually seeing the science behind how they would work.

  11. Ann says:
    7 years ago

    I’ve taken garcinia in the past to help in weight loss . It does work for me, but as stated above, you can’t take it for longer than 12 weeks. If I can find a supplement such as this forskolin, that can do just about the same as garcinia, be able to take it longer and there’s added health benefits? Sounds like I may switch over once I’m done with my current supply. And just keep in mind, there is no “miracle drug” to help you lose weight….you DO need to make the effort.

  12. Hannah Stein says:
    7 years ago

    I think it’s great that forskolin seems to have other health benefits other than just helping weight loss. I think it’s important to note as well though that you should still keep a healthy lifestyle, as you touch on in the post. Of course these weight supplements can help, but it’s not a replacement for healthy eating and exercise. I think the problem surrounding these supplements is that people do try to just take them and keep an unhealthy lifestyle, which is the last thing you should be doing.

  13. GIESSEPIE says:
    7 years ago

    Need help to find out where I can see on the bottle the expiration date.

    Thank you for your coopratoion in this matter.

  14. daniel says:
    7 years ago

    Howdy livin3, GI issues (like looseness of the bowels) and basic reactions for some things. Its one reason I regularly suggest beginning any new supplement you bring with the minimum sum feasible for the first week,just to see how you respond.
    Is there something else in your forskolin supplement or is it just forskolin?

  15. Søren says:
    6 years ago

    I have to say this is a great guide! My mother has been using Forskolin for few weeks now. (We in Denmark). She can’t see the big results yet, but she looking forward to see what gonna happen with her buddy in the next few months! And this is acutally a great guide to use!

    Cheers and greeting from Denmark.
    Søren

  16. Mary says:
    6 years ago

    When looking at supplements like this I automatically scroll straight to the side effects before I go back and read anything else, as this determines right away whether it is worth the risk for me. There are some things mentioned here, for the different forms of taking this supplement but it’s not very extensive and this worries me a little. I’m quite cynical though and I don’t believe anything is a wonder drug for weight loss, but that is just how I feel. I did some of my own research, and the results are quite impressive I have to say. It seems that a study done in the University of Kansas found that men lost 7.8 times body fat when taking Forskolin as a supplement, and it also helped with testosterone levels. I’m glad that this article mentions the importance of finding a true supplement, because in so many cases I have found supplements that are not what they say they are and made up mostly of fillers!

  17. Carrie Monroe says:
    6 years ago

    I have actually never heard or tried Forskolin. I like the metabolism effects of this supplement. I was interested to learn about its effect on hypothyroid. I’ve done a lot of reading on the topic of hypothyroid, weight loss is often difficult, so a supplement that increases metabolism would be the perfect remedy.

  18. Mandy says:
    6 years ago

    Okay I have heard of a ton of weight supplements and this is not one I have heard of before. I had no idea. I need something that will increase my metabolism so I may need to try this one out.

  19. nancy barney says:
    6 years ago

    I was using forskolin for two weeks. I was using it to lose weight. But I have diabetes it made my numbers went down to 106.

  20. Grabiella says:
    5 years ago

    Forskolin sounds like a great supplement for weight loss. But the effects are really scary. I mean, how can I suffer low blood pressure, suppressed central nervous system among others just because I want to lose weight. I think I’m going to stick with my regular diet and exercise habits. Forget Dr. Oz. This stuff is not safe.

  21. Rachel Peachey says:
    5 years ago

    Yes, it’s true the side effects sound scary. But, believe it or not, a lot of medications have pretty serious side effects. You can use methods for weight loss that come with less risk, but being overweight is also a risk to your health. For some people, traditional methods don’t work, so it’s natural they’d like to try supplements. It’s always best to investigate each one carefully though. And, as you say, if it’s possible to lose weight another way that’s safer, all the better.

  22. Rachel Peachey says:
    5 years ago

    It’s so important to notice these effects. I hope you’re able to find another way to lose weight that doesn’t interfere with your diabetes!

  23. Rachel Peachey says:
    5 years ago

    Let us know how it goes!

  24. Marketta says:
    5 years ago

    Normally, I’d just steer clear of anything Dr. Oz promotes because he’s not really a trustworthy source of information. That being said, if this supplement does what it claims, it could be a very useful tool to add to someone’s regimen.

    My only worry is that it raises free testosterone. Many women today are having reproductive issues (mainly PCOS, which already raises free testosterone levels and causes a world of problems). I wonder if this would raise the number of PCOS cases or cause more issues in women with hormonal imbalances. I really look forward to seeing more studies in this because it is so difficult to lose weight with these issues.

  25. Diane T. says:
    5 years ago

    After reading your article on safflower oil I wanted to add it to my diet but these pills sound to be more effective. I am wary of weight loss pills so I’ve avoided them because I was lazy and didn’t do my own research so I preferred to stay away completely. From what I’ve read these seem to be both safe and effective, which is a rare combination these days with the explosion of weight loss teas and pills invading us from all fronts. I swear we had a plant similar to this in our backyard when I was growing up, could it be the same?

  26. Rachel Peachey says:
    5 years ago

    Hi Diane,
    Thanks for reading! Yes, you may be thinking of the ornamental version of this plant, which is related to Coleus forskohlii.

  27. Zwembad plaatsen says:
    5 years ago

    After reading your article on safflower oil I wanted to add it to my diet but these pills sound to be more effective. I am wary of weight loss pills so I’ve avoided them because I was lazy and didn’t do my own research so I preferred to stay away completely. From what I’ve read these seem to be both safe and effective, which is a rare combination these days with the explosion of weight loss teas and pills invading us from all fronts. I swear we had a plant similar to this in our backyard when I was growing up, could it be the same?

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